Mr Charles Edward Light

Charles Edward Light was born in Thorney Hill, Bransgore, Hampshire, England in 1888 and his birth was registered in the September quarter of that year. He was the son of James Light (b. 1854) and Mary Bessant (b. 1856), both Christchurch-natives who had married there in 1877 and who had four children, one dying in infancy. Their children were: Frederick (b. 1878), Laura Annie (1880-1882), Walter George (b. 1882) and Charles.

Charles first appears on the 1891 census living in Thorney Hill and his father is described as a general labourer. His father is described as a farmer by the time of the 1901 census and Charles is still at school. Still in Thorney Hill, Bransgore by the time of the 1911 census, Charles is described as an unmarried seaman in the merchant service.

When he signed-on to the Titanic, on 4 April 1912, he gave his address as Thorney Hill Avenue, Christchurch. His last ship had been the Olympic. As a plates steward he received monthly wages of £3 15s.

Light died in the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

Charles' parents continued to live in Christchurch. His mother passed away in 1924 aged 68 and his father in 1943 aged 89.